Herpes Zoster Infection in A Case of Nephrotic Syndrome (On Alternate Day Prednisolone Therapy) - A Case Report

Herpes Zoster infection is caused by Varicella Zoster virus. Its characteristic feature is the appearance of unilateral clustered vesicles on an erythematous base. The vesicles heals within two weeks from appearance of vesicles. The symptoms of Nephrotic Syndrome include severe proteinuria, edema, hypoalbuminemia and hyperlipidemia. Minimal Change Nephrotic Syndrome is the most prevalent type of nephrotic syndrome in children, for which prednisolone is the preferred medication. Administration of prolonged corticosteroid causes decreased cell mediated immunity which causes immunosuppression and therefore chance of infection increases. Herpes zoster infection is usually a self-limiting disease. It is usually diagnosed clinically on the basis of characteristic appearance of the rash. Treatment is mainly by administration of oral acyclovir for 7 days. Severe illness may require hospitalization for intravenous acyclovir. In individuals with nephrotic syndrome on corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive medications, complication arising from varicella infections can be life-threatening.